Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Characteristics: Sodium phosphates are an antioxidant, sodium salts of phosphoric acid. Protects products from tanning, preserves their color during heat treatment, gives them a soft and gentle structure
Sodium phosphates are an antioxidant, sodium salts of phosphoric acid. Protects the products from tanning, preserves their color during heat treatment, gives them a soft and gentle structure. The substance is a white hygroscopic salt, may be in the form of a crystalline or granular powder; resistant to high temperatures. The additive E 339 dissolves well in water, creating a strongly alkaline environment. The solution reacts with aluminum and zinc.
E 339 plays the role of emulsifier, acidity regulator, color fixative, stabilizer; also a moisturizer and can improve antioxidant properties.
Sodium phosphate is added to detergents, detergents, bleaches. European countries are refusing to use detergents containing the substance. It enters water bodies and leads to eutrophication, which is dangerous for the ecosystem.
In small quantities, the additive is used in the food industry: it is found in pasta, pastries, sweets; it can also be found in soft drinks. It is often used in the manufacture of various dairy products, sour cream, milk powder.
Dry and instant soups, purees, diced broths, instant and granulated teas abound in E 339; Sodium phosphate is also found in ketchup, sauces, canned food, sausages, smoked and other fish and local products, melted and mature cheeses.
E 339 is on the list of dietary supplements in some countries.
According to some sources, frequent use of products containing antioxidants leads to changes in the metabolism of mineral salts in the human body. In addition, E 339 provokes the extraction of calcium from bones and teeth, which adversely affects overall health; suppresses the work of the digestive system, is the cause of frequent stomach disorders.
There is information that constant consumption of sodium phosphate is one of the factors that are a prerequisite for the development of cancer; It is carcinogenic. The maximum permissible safe daily dose of the additive is not indicated.